A strong mentoring relationship can be a career-defining force. And, for many lawyers, it’s also a lifeline.
That’s the message behind the 2025 Women Lawyers of WA Mentoring Program, which kicks off later this month. The initiative connects women across all stages of legal practice with experienced practitioners who can offer guidance, support and a sounding board in a profession that can be as isolating as it is demanding.
“Mentoring can be a powerful tool for building confidence, navigating tricky career decisions, and simply knowing you’re not alone,” said Catriona Macleod, President of Women Lawyers of WA, talking to the Law Society about this initiative.
“We’re seeing more women than ever seek connection, not just advancement.”
The value of mentoring is well established. A recent study published in the Harvard Business Review found that 84 per cent of professionals said mentoring helped them avoid costly mistakes, and 76 per cent said it was essential to their professional development. In law, where high-pressure environments and steep learning curves are common, the benefits are magnified.
“I know how isolating the legal profession can feel, especially in the early years or when you’re navigating a transition or setback,” says Menka Hernandez-Morey, who leads the Women Lawyers of WA mentoring program.
“I remember what it was like to feel completely out of my depth. I was trying to keep up, trying to prove myself, and doing it all quietly so no one would think I was struggling. I didn’t know who I could talk to, or even what questions I was allowed to ask. Mentoring changed that. It gave me perspective, a sounding board, and most importantly, someone who reminded me I was not alone. Helping other women lawyers find that same community and support has been one of the most meaningful things I have done in my career.”
Applications for WLWA’s program close on 12 August 2025 with the launch event being held on 19 August.
The Asian Australian Lawyers Association also facilitates a national mentoring program, with a strong focus on inclusion and representation. For lawyers from culturally diverse backgrounds, having access to a mentor who understands their experience can be transformative.
The AALA mentoring program is designed to foster meaningful connections across experience levels and backgrounds and plays a key role in breaking down barriers to inclusion and promoting long-term diversity in the profession.
The AALA mentoring program will launch on 18 August 2025.
The Law Society’s three mentoring programs are currently underway, running from April to November each year. Early feedback from this year’s participants is resoundingly positive.
“This was the perfect match,” said one mentee. “(My mentor) has given me helpful tools to advance and upskill my capabilities as a junior criminal defence lawyer. She has been able to provide some really great insight into my role and the organisation.”
The 2025 program includes more than 100 mentoring pairs and has seen particular growth in lawyers seeking support to navigate cultural difference, bias, or the transition to Australian practice.
Whether you’re a senior partner or just getting started, becoming a mentor – or seeking one – is a meaningful way to shape the future of law.
“Mentoring is about more than giving advice,” said Jane Kikeros, Law Society Mentoring Program Coordinator. “It’s about building the kind of profession we want to be part of.”
